Posts Tagged ‘bent creek trails’

The Pisgah National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of forested land in and around Asheville. Avid hikers and bikers alike will discover hundreds of miles of trails to suit any taste. If you haven’t explored the Pisgah Forest, then you definitely need to. Some of the Pisgah trails most favored by locals include those at Max Patch, Hot Springs, Bent Creek, Mills River, Graveyard Field and many others. For a quick guide to the best trails based on features, or ease/difficulty of hike visit http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/.

A favorite of our Asheville Bed & Breakfast is Max Patch – a good 45-60 minute drive West of Asheville, but well worth the trip. Max Patch Mountain offers some amazingly scenic hikes, appropriate for children and older individuals. It highest elevation reaches 4,629 feet. The grassy summit is not the highest peak around, but it is considered by some to be the “crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail”. If you want a relatively easy hike to Max Patch, take the moderate, 1.4 mile Short Loop trail. For a more difficult hike, continue another mile on the Long Loop trail. The long range mountain views are simply breathtaking.

For easier hiking just 15 minutes from downtown, head south to Bent Creek. The Bent Creek trail system offers great hiking and mountain biking options, a campground, mountain lake with sandy beach (Powhatan Lake), picnic area, fishing pier and a family recreation area. A great place to spend the day or just take a refreshing walk around the lake to enjoy the beautiful Dogwoods and Mountain Laurel. Bent Creek is adjacent to the NC Arboretum and charges a $5 per vehicle entrance fee to the park.

If you’d rather hike on the north end of town, head up to the trail system in Hot Springs. The famous Appalachian Trail runs right through town. From the trail head, take a hike up to Lovers Leap Ridge for spectacular views of downtown Hot Springs and Spring Creek. The scenic town is also home to natural, hot mineral springs for which the town is named. Take in the therapeutic spring waters after your hike by renting your own private mineral bath at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa and follow it up with a relaxing massage. Now that’s my idea of a satisfying hike!

No matter where you go, you’re sure to enjoy exploring the endless hiking trails in and around Asheville -especially in the Pisgah Forest. Our Asheville Bed & Breakfast is fortunate to be surrounded by so much natural beauty and endless outdoor recreation options. Need trail maps or other recommendations for hiking? Just ask our innkeepers or any member of the Pinecrest Inn staff during your visit. For Inn reservations or more information visit www.pinecrestbb.com. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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April Asheville Cheese Month April 2015 is WNC Cheese month. WNC is home to an amazing array of Creameries and Farms. What better way to explore Western North Carolina than meandering along the WNC Cheese Trail. Spend an afternoon taking in the mountain beauty and sampling delicious handmade cheeses. Visit the Creameries and far...

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